Artist Bruno uses humor, friends to fight cancer

Story Highlights

St. Joseph artist Mary Bruno was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in March

She faces two major surgeries; a website fundraiser has brought her more than $15,000 for expenses

Next month, there will be the Bruno's Hooters benefit (aka Flippin' Cancer the Bird Party)

It's hard to believe that six letters can have such a powerful impact on one's life. And for St. Joseph artist Mary Bruno, they aren't the letters she etches at her company, Bruno Press.

Cancer.

Bruno was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in March and had a tumor removed. But after additional genetic testing, it was discovered that she was carrying the BCRA1 cancer gene mutation.

According to the American Cancer Society, individuals with the inherited mutation of BCRA1 gene can have up to an 80 percent risk of cancer.

Bruno, known locally for humorous greeting cards created on an early-1900s press, now faces two major surgeries. The first one is on Thursday. Doctors have recommended that Bruno take time off work to heal, which left her wondering what she'd do to cover costs such as deductibles and travel expenses.

"It's just hard for me not to work at all. I had a couple of people suggest doing a fundraiser. That's really not my style. I didn't want to tell people. But the more people I tell, the better I feel," Bruno said.

"The more people explained it to me, people would want to know and people would want to help."

It took a great deal of convincing, but in late June Bruno ripped the bandage off and posted a status regarding her health and needs to Facebook.

She included a link to www.gofundme.com/brunohooters where family, friends and other supporters could donate to her $8,000 goal. Bruno met that goal in 24 hours and has raised $15,810 from 215 people as of late Sunday afternoon.

"I had no idea that it would blow up like that. It's been super humbling, and overwhelming and it's amazing all the people that I know, all the people that I don't know, it's completely out of hand and it's interesting. I think for the first time in my life money is not going to be an issue," she said. "It's amazing because I will literally be able to concentrate on healing and I won't have to worry about anything else."

People can also help with the cause during Bruno's Hooters benefit (aka Flippin' Cancer the Bird Party) from 3-10 p.m. Aug. 16 at The Middy bar in St. Joseph, where Bruno also bartends part time. Live music, beverages, food, a silent auction and good times are expected.

"I just really like approaching it like, '(expletive) cancer, let's party.' I'm not letting this break me down into a pile of tears," Bruno said. "When it comes to bumps in the road like this, I'm not that worried about it. I think it's going to be over before I know it."

Bruno thought her initial $8,000 request was too high and that people would think she was selfish for asking. It held her back. She was more worried about announcing her condition and that she needed help financially than she is about her upcoming surgeries.

St. Cloud Hospital CentraCare Health licensed clinical psychologist Ryan Engdahl said the support of loved ones after an individual has been diagnosed is key to the healthy processing of difficult situations. But that's only if the person is willing, otherwise it can create stress.

"I think what we know for sure, what the research shows us, is that there is a correlation between social support and a positive treatment outcomes," he said. "From an emotional standpoint, we know that with the opportunity to sort of open up to people, talk to people about the struggle and have the struggle validated by those close to us, we can continue to get the treatment knowing that there's support."

As a single woman and business owner, someone who is used to taking care of herself, asking for help isn't Bruno's strong suit. But it's been worth the experience.

"This is partly for my mom, my brother, my nieces, to be able to be a part of something, too. I don't like getting all choked up about stuff, but I figured this would be a little bit of therapy for everybody, too," Bruno said. "I think it's going to be fun. I think it's going to be a big deal."